Willow Springs International Raceway showed off its new logo, a stylized checkered flag that’s also a “W”, as the venue begins to upgrade the facilities for racers and spectators. As we reported earlier this year, CrossHarbor Capital Partners bought the storied facility that includes three road courses, two oval tracks, a kart track, and a dedicated autocross/drift area.

According to a release from Willow Springs, track improvements are already underway, although details are scarce. We reached out for more info, but it seems that we’re still a few weeks away from learning anything specific. Videos on the track’s social media pages show there has already been progress on the venue’s kart track, but we’re sure that much of the bigger construction projects are still in the planning and permitting stages. One point that was mentioned may help allay some worries: the upgrades to the facility specifically note that the plans for Willow Springs will “maintain public access.” With so much room to work with, it shouldn’t be hard to cater to all kinds of enthusiasts at the High Desert track.

“We are honored to steward the next chapter of Willow Springs and are committed to preserving its rich legacy while making meaningful improvements that prioritize safety, performance, and the overall experience for motorsports enthusiasts,” said CrossHarbor Capital Partners co-founder Sam Byrne. “The new logo and initial improvements represent the first steps in our long-term vision to reestablish Willow Springs as the epicenter of Southern California car culture.”

Willow Springs Reimagined, a public launch event scheduled for Saturday, October 11, will be our first look at the initial upgrades to the grounds. The event encourages attendees to bring their ride for a casual, cars-and-coffee-style show with some cars on the track as well as a display from the Petersen Automotive Museum and Singer Vehicle Design, which has partnered with CrossHarbor on the venue. We’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Willow Springs Raceway, and the October event would be a great time to show off those grand plans.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR will hold a street race on Naval Base Coronado in Southern California next June as a replacement for its downtown Chicago event that ran the last three years.

The move to the San Diego area does not eliminate a return to Chicago, where NASCAR will still maintain an office and effort an eventual return, perhaps as early as 2027.

But the shift next year will allow NASCAR to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy by hosting all three of its national series over a three-day weekend on June 19-21.

“As part of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are honored for NASCAR to join the celebration as we host our first street race at a military base, Naval Base Coronado,” Ben Kennedy, executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer, said Wednesday. “NASCAR San Diego Weekend will honor the Navy’s history and the men and women who serve as we take the best motorsports in the world to the streets of Naval Base Coronado.”

It will be NASCAR’s second street race in the sport’s history, following the three-year run in Chicago, and first on an active military base. The course layout is not complete but is expected to be around 3 miles.

NASCAR has seen Auto Club Speedway close after the 2023 race. It built a temporary short track inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum from 2002 through 2024 but moved that event to North Carolina.

Kennedy, who has been bullish on new endeavors for his family business, was the brains of the races at the Coliseum, Chicago, this year’s visit to Mexico City and now next year in San Diego, a venture the Navy is excited about.

“NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence,” Navy Secretary John C. Phelan said. “Hosting a race aboard Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of naval aviation, it’s not just a historic first, it’s a powerful tribute to the values we share: grit, teamwork and love of country.

“From the flight deck to the finish line, this collaboration reflects the operational intensity and unity of purpose that define both the United States Navy and NASCAR.”

The base is known as the “West Coast Quarterdeck” and is a consortium of nine Navy installations that stretch from San Clemente Island 50 miles off the coast of Long Beach to the Mountain Warfare Training Facility 50 miles east of San Diego.

NASCAR named Amy Lupo, who has been with the series since 2021 and helped launch the Coliseum, as president of the race. She spent more than 20 years at ESPN expanding the X Games when she lived in San Diego early in her career. She still lives in Southern California.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR will hold a street race on Naval Base Coronado in Southern California next June as a replacement for its downtown Chicago event that ran the last three years.

The move to the San Diego area does not eliminate a return to Chicago, where NASCAR will still maintain an office and effort an eventual return, perhaps as early as 2027.

But the shift next year will allow NASCAR to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy by hosting all three of its national series over a three-day weekend on June 19-21.

“As part of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are honored for NASCAR to join the celebration as we host our first street race at a military base, Naval Base Coronado,” Ben Kennedy, executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer, said Wednesday. “NASCAR San Diego Weekend will honor the Navy’s history and the men and women who serve as we take the best motorsports in the world to the streets of Naval Base Coronado.”

It will be NASCAR’s second street race in the sport’s history, following the three-year run in Chicago, and first on an active military base. The course layout is not complete but is expected to be around 3 miles.

NASCAR has seen Auto Club Speedway close after the 2023 race. It built a temporary short track inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum from 2002 through 2024 but moved that event to North Carolina.

Kennedy, who has been bullish on new endeavors for his family business, was the brains of the races at the Coliseum, Chicago, this year’s visit to Mexico City and now next year in San Diego, a venture the Navy is excited about.

“NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence,” Navy Secretary John C. Phelan said. “Hosting a race aboard Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of naval aviation, it’s not just a historic first, it’s a powerful tribute to the values we share: grit, teamwork and love of country.

“From the flight deck to the finish line, this collaboration reflects the operational intensity and unity of purpose that define both the United States Navy and NASCAR.”

The base is known as the “West Coast Quarterdeck” and is a consortium of nine Navy installations that stretch from San Clemente Island 50 miles off the coast of Long Beach to the Mountain Warfare Training Facility 50 miles east of San Diego.

NASCAR named Amy Lupo, who has been with the series since 2021 and helped launch the Coliseum, as president of the race. She spent more than 20 years at ESPN expanding the X Games when she lived in San Diego early in her career. She still lives in Southern California.

Story Continues

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR will hold a street race on Naval Base Coronado in Southern California next June as a replacement for its downtown Chicago event that ran the last three years.

The move to the San Diego area does not eliminate a return to Chicago, where NASCAR will still maintain an office and effort an eventual return, perhaps as early as 2027.

But the shift next year will allow NASCAR to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy by hosting all three of its national series over a three-day weekend on June 19-21.

“As part of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are honored for NASCAR to join the celebration as we host our first street race at a military base, Naval Base Coronado,” Ben Kennedy, executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer, said Wednesday. “NASCAR San Diego Weekend will honor the Navy’s history and the men and women who serve as we take the best motorsports in the world to the streets of Naval Base Coronado.”

It will be NASCAR’s second street race in the sport’s history, following the three-year run in Chicago, and first on an active military base. The course layout is not complete but is expected to be around 3 miles.

NASCAR has seen Auto Club Speedway close after the 2023 race. It built a temporary short track inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum from 2002 through 2024 but moved that event to North Carolina.

Kennedy, who has been bullish on new endeavors for his family business, was the brains of the races at the Coliseum, Chicago, this year’s visit to Mexico City and now next year in San Diego, a venture the Navy is excited about.

“NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence,” Navy Secretary John C. Phelan said. “Hosting a race aboard Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of naval aviation, it’s not just a historic first, it’s a powerful tribute to the values we share: grit, teamwork and love of country.

“From the flight deck to the finish line, this collaboration reflects the operational intensity and unity of purpose that define both the United States Navy and NASCAR.”

The base is known as the “West Coast Quarterdeck” and is a consortium of nine Navy installations that stretch from San Clemente Island 50 miles off the coast of Long Beach to the Mountain Warfare Training Facility 50 miles east of San Diego.

NASCAR named Amy Lupo, who has been with the series since 2021 and helped launch the Coliseum, as president of the race. She spent more than 20 years at ESPN expanding the X Games when she lived in San Diego early in her career. She still lives in Southern California.

It’s official: NASCAR will host a new street race at Naval Base Coronado next year in celebration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. Navy, officials announced Wednesday, ending a week of speculation.

NASCAR San Diego will be a three-day race weekend headlined by the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series, along with the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, on June 19-21, 2026, according to the racing circuit.

The race weekend will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy.

The second-ever Cup Series street course will take place on Sunday, June 21, 2026, and will be the first NASCAR event on an active military base. The Chicago Street Course hosted Cup and Xfinity action for each of the past three seasons.

“What a special way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Navy, 250th anniversary of our country and put on what is going to be undoubtedly the most anticipated event of 2026,” Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president, chief venue, and racing innovation officer said in a statement. “And I’m bullish on it being the best sporting event of the year.”

“NASCAR San Diego Weekend will honor the Navy’s history and the men and women who serve as we take the best motorsports in the world to the streets of Naval Base Coronado.”

“NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. Hosting a race aboard Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of naval aviation, it’s not just a historic first, it’s a powerful tribute to the values we share: grit, teamwork and love of country,” Navy Secretary John Phelan said.

Naval Base Coronado is a consortium of nine Navy installations stretching from San Clemente Island 50 miles off the coast of Long Beach to the Mountain Warfare Training Facility 50 miles east of San Diego.

“As commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado and on behalf of the United States Navy, it’s an honor to partner with NASCAR at NAS North Island as part of our 250th anniversary celebration,” Capt. Loren Jacobi said.

“Hosting one of America’s premier motorsports events on this historic base reflects our partnership with the local community and our shared pride in the nation’s heritage. We are privileged to showcase the dedication of our sailors alongside NASCAR’s finest as we celebrate our 250th anniversary.”

Also Wednesday, NASCAR named Amy Lupo the NASCAR San Diego President. Since joining NASCAR in 2021, Lupo helped launch the Clash at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, and has been instrumental in supporting other new NASCAR events.

Prior to NASCAR, she spent more than 20 years at ESPN, where she played a central role in the evolution and expansion of the X Games.

“This a huge win for San Diego and we are so grateful to NASCAR for their partnership,” said Mark Neville, chief executive officer of Sports San Diego, which will offer promotional support.

“Without a doubt, the NASCAR San Diego Weekend will have a significant and favorable impact on San Diego’s tourism and hospitality industry. On top of that, being the first ever NASCAR race on an active military base is going to be quite the spectacle and you can’t beat Naval Base Coronado.”

The official NASCAR San Diego street course layout will be unveiled in the near future.

NASCAR San Diego’s Cup Series race will be the final race of Prime Video’s five-race broadcast window for 2026. The Xfinity Series race will air on The CW and the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race will be broadcast by Fox Sports.

Tickets for the 2026 NASCAR San Diego Weekend will go on sale this fall.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Don Cusick is actively charting the future of Cusick Motorsports and has an array of options to consider for an expansion into Indy NXT and a return at next year’s Indianapolis 500.

Cusick initially embraced the idea of retirement after selling his largest business and dove headfirst into motor racing as a passion project. With his 69th birthday arriving later in the week, Cusick is at the stage of life where working non-stop is meant to be a thing of the past. But he also sees opportunities to grow his team’s footprint in multiple series, and that’s where longer hours have become the norm in recent months as ongoing discussions on partnering with NXT and IndyCar teams is a central focus for Cusick.

“We’ve loved working with Dennis Reinbold at Indianapolis and we’d be open to working with Dennis and his team again,” Cusick told RACER. “At this moment, we don’t have any plans put in place with Dennis or any of the other teams, but there are teams who are talking to us and definitely we plan to be back for 2026.”

Cusick joined Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in 2023 as the sponsor and co-entrant on DRR’s No. 24 Chevy piloted by Stefan Wilson through qualifying and raced by Graham Rahal after Wilson was ruled out due to injury. Cusick returned in 2024 as the co-entrant on both DRR-Cusick Motorsports entries for Ryan Hunter-Reay and Conor Daly where he brought an array of sponsors and continued this year in the same capacity with the cars driven by Hunter-Reay (pictured above) and Jack Harvey.

As IndyCar readies a new car to deploy for 2028, Cusick sees continuing in a co-entry capacity as the best fit for his program.

“What we’ve been doing since we got into IndyCar with joining forces is where we’re going to stay until it’s maybe time to consider doing more,” he said. “But we’re constantly talking with sponsors who want to be involved and I feel confident with the talks we’ve had since May that we’ll be part of the Indy 500 again next year.”

Cusick is also getting closer to striking a co-entry arrangement in Indy NXT and has meetings planned this weekend with potential partner teams at the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey.

“Yes, and that’s also been continuing to develop for us,” he added. “We have serious considerations for running two Indy NXT cars full-season for 2026 and that’s where we’re at right here at this moment. We should know more by next week.”